I'll be by your side, wherever you fall
In the dead of night, whenever you call
Please don't fight, these hands that are holding you
~By Your Side, Tenth Avenue North
A/N:
~Thank you Em and Spin for putting up with my late night/early morning nonsense. You're the best ;)
~I oddly have certain fowl thank for helping me finish this. This chapter gave me a hard time and I'm not entirely sure why. Regardless, I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 31 - Reflecting, Part II
November 14th (continued):
Returning to St. Mungo's was strange, though when Poppy put it into perspective, she was very glad not to have those same harrowing thoughts of death and dying swirling around her mind as she walked through the same halls as the day before. This time, however, her thoughts were not solely focused on her mentor, but rather her dark haired sister. Minerva had barely said a word to Professor Dumbledore before they Flooed to the Hospital, and for the umpteenth time today, Poppy found herself cursing Mikail for his timing of telling her the 'truth'. She still didn't know if she could believe his words. It was far too risky- but at the same time, if the Russian's reasons were true, then the risk was doubled for Mikail if anyone else realised what he was doing. Due to this, Poppy only had one choice; keep her thoughts sealed off from her sisters until she was able to limit how much she pondered the subject.
She chewed on her lip, trying to stop where her thoughts were wandering to. She couldn't afford to think of what Mikail had done this early morning in the Gryffindor common room- what he said and did that still had her flustered and brought a blush to her cheeks. She needed to concentrate on what was happening now, especially since they were going to see Helena. If she didn't banish it from her mind now, it would no doubt lead to questions that would get her into trouble.
She shook her head, bringing herself back to the present, one where Minerva was still silently musing over the new details of her lost memories, as they walked through the maze of St. Mungo's. Personally, Poppy was more disturbed as of why Mrs McGonagall had bothered to erase Minerva's memory when her overload would have blocked it anyway. Even the hospital's healers had sent a report stating that there would be memory loss-
Poppy stopped in her tracks. "Wait a minute..." She grabbed Minerva's arm, effectively halting her.
"Poppy?"
"I've got an idea, it won't take long, provided that we can find the place without much trouble, but since we're here, we should do it anyway- probably after we see Helena though, don't want them to worry-"
"The point, Poppy," Minerva interrupted, bemusement shining in her eyes, "get to the point. What is your idea?"
"You're of age, which means you can access your medical records at St. Mungo's. You need information, and they have it! It may, or may not, be of much use, but wouldn't it at least be worth a try?"
Minerva blinked a few times before a smile curved her lips. "Yes, yes you're right, and furthermore, Màthair won't know that I've accessed it- but we really should see Helena first."
Poppy smiled all the way to the private recovery suites set aside for patients staying for a week or more, and for once Mikail didn't plague her thoughts. As they drew near to their destination, Minerva took out one of the transfigured coins in her pocket and flipped it off her thumb, but instead of cold metal landing in her open palm, it was a bouquet of pale coloured roses. She gave it to Poppy, then did the same to the lilies, just in time for Galatea to appear in the corridor and wave them to come closer.
"I am glad you two could come." The professor smiled with tired, but sparkling crystal eyes. "The flowers are lovely, I am sure she will be very happy to see them. Could you set them on the table near the window? I will be sure to show them to her when she is feeling better."
They stepped inside the doorway which led into a small room with a few chairs, sofa, table and a large glass window that provided a view into the room which Helena resided.
"How is she?" Poppy asked, nearing the window and peering into the room as Minerva carefully arranged the flowers in a conjured vase.
"She is physically exhausted and gets tired very easily," Galatea answered quietly. "She fell asleep only twenty minutes after waking up, which was expected. You won't have long before Helena will need to rest again, I should warn you."
"That's all right." Minerva glanced at the elder witch with a small smile. "We shouldn't be away from Hogwarts for too long anyway."
Galatea nodded and then entered Helena's room as the Gryffindors watched from the room beyond. The sight of the matron sleeping peacefully on a hospital bed warmed Minerva's heart. She wasn't sure what she had expected to see, but the last she remembered of her was with blood everywhere and now there was none to be seen.
Her view of the blonde woman, however, was obscured as the professor began to rouse her.
"Air do chois, m' eudail [Wake up, my dear]," Minerva heard Galatea say softly. The Gryffindors watched as Helena stir, her hand seemed to search for something until Galatea took it in her own, calming the woman instantly, and even more so with a few soft spoken whispers that Minerva couldn't understand before the matron responded back.
"Tha thu an seo fhathast [You're still here]?" Helena's voice was quiet and raspy, but hearing her speak was a blessing, even if she didn't fully understand what the woman had said. She assumed the matron was asking who else was in the room, or maybe asking why Galatea was there.
"Thà, a-nis [Yes, I am]." The elder witch's hold on Helena's hand tightened for the few moments of silence that hung in the air, before she broke it, speaking in English again. "You have a few visitors."
A yawn escaped the matron. "Who?"
Minerva heard a soft chuckle as Galatea released Helena, but that was all she saw before Poppy grabbed her arm in excitement and pulled them towards the door.
"I think I will let them introduce themselves, but they have been wanting to see you for quite a while."
"I didn't keep them waiting when I fell asleep, did I? Goodness, I was so exhausted, I didn't even think about others..." Helena trailed off, her voice dipping into melancholy.
"No, no, dear, they have only just arrived. Relax, I will be outside if you need me." The door opened, revealing Galatea once again. "Go on in, girls."
There was no need to tell Poppy twice. The moment the Defensive Arts Professor stepped to the side, letting them through, then she was already in the room and rushing towards the matron.
"Helena!"
The woman smiled as her apprentice gently embraced her.
"Poppy," she murmured softly, no doubt trying to grasp the fact that she was still alive and able to see the younger witch once again. Minerva smiled, watching them from the doorway. Helena's movements were undoubtedly slower, but there was colour in her cheeks and a definite spark of life in her eyes. The green-eyed witch broke her gaze from the reunion for a moment as Galatea began to walk away.
"You won't be staying?" she asked, hoping she didn't sound as though she was pleading. It didn't make sense for her mentor to leave, and Minerva very much wanted her in the room.
The elder witch did not look at her as she paused to answer.
"No. I think," Galatea sighed tiredly, "I shouldn't."
Shouldn't? Minerva bit the inside of her cheek, preventing her thoughts from becoming words. Now was not a good time to ask questions, but her mentor had spoken to her so dryly compared to when she was speaking to Helena moments ago, that it was a little heartbreaking to hear her refusal- especially if Poppy's suspicion of a relationship between the matron and the Defensive Arts professor was correct. However, even if it wasn't true, it still didn't make sense as of why Galatea 'shouldn't' stay.
With a snap of her fingers, the elder witch closed the door, silently forcing Minerva out of her thoughts and to make an appearance with Helena.
"You're all right," Poppy muttered, still buried in the matron's embrace as a few happy tears escaped her eyes. "I was so worried and frightened and- I'm just so happy you're alive!"
"You and me both, my dear."
Minerva frowned while watching them. Part of her felt uneasy meeting Helena again and her dream certainly didn't help matters, but the guilt she still had over ignoring the matron's subconscious call for help, believing it to be nerves, really troubled her. She had been so focused on being this so-called 'hope' during the meeting that she had forgotten the bigger picture; they were fighting in a war. She had to get that through her head.
Despite all of it though, a warm spark ignited in her chest when she looked at the woman. Helena meant a lot to her, she had always been there when Minerva became unwell or suffered an 'accident' of sorts, and that alone gave Minerva the confidence she needed to walk towards the woman. It was impossible to miss Helena's expression when she caught sight of her, though, but to her relief it was one of immense gratitude.
"Minerva... dear," the matron grasped Minerva's hand when she was close to the bed, "I'm very glad you came."
The green-eyed witch smiled sadly, remembering the state of confusion the matron had been in. "Were you afraid I wouldn't?"
Helena she shook her head, her eyes becoming distant. "I knew you were alive, but seeing you helps to remind me that I didn't fail completely."
"Fail?" Poppy echoed. "Helena, that's ludicrous. Dealg was no match for Minerva, surely you knew that?"
It took the green-eyed witch only a moment before she realise what the woman actually meant.
"Galatea was right, wasn't she? You tried to use your patronus to warn me instead of defending yourself."
Helena's expression deepened. "But it didn't make it."
Minerva stiffened at the confirmation. Helena had risked her most precious secret to simply warn her- and almost died for it.
"Next time, just get out alive, all right? I can handle myself, but I'm not sure how to handle losing you."
"You're just a girl, my dear," Helena said firmly, "and powerful or not, it is my job to protect you- not just as a member of the Spideagan [Nightingales], but as the Head Matron of Hogwarts. Besides, you're special to me," she glanced at Poppy. "You both are."
The apprentice smiled softly, pulling a neatly folded piece of parchment from her pocket. "This is from all of us. You can read it later if you wish, but we wanted to give it to you today."
Minerva's internal struggle continued to grow as she watched Helena open the silver embroidered parchment and began to read silently. The woman's fingers began to shake as exhaustion began to slowly overcome her once again, but she carried on reading regardless. She smiled as she neared the end, reading the signatures and blinking away the moisture gathering in her eyes.
"That was very kind of you all," she said quietly. "Please, tell them I said thank you."
"We even sent flowers," Poppy shifted slightly, pointing through the window where the bouquets resided. "Professor Merrythought wanted to show them to you later, when you're feeling stronger."
"Oh you girls, you didn't have to do all this-" Helena began, but Minerva stopped her.
"We felt it was necessary after all you went through." The green-eyed witch swallowed and took a deep breath, ready to speak her mind. "Helena, when you were attacked, my astral felt your need for help and I didn't understand it. I'm so sorry I didn't get to you sooner. Forgive me, I could have spared you from such a close encounter with death."
"Minerva, if you won't let me feel guilty over failing to warn you, then I certainly won't let you have any guilt either. None of this is your fault, and no-one blames you for not understanding such an extremely rare ability."
The woman squeezed her hand, a bit weaker than she wished, but that could not be helped. Minerva somberly returned the gesture.
"All the same, I won't let it happen again. I promise."
"If I were you, dear, I would not make promises that you may not be able to keep," Galatea's harsh words echoed the room as she entered again.
"Oh Galatea, must you be such a pessimist?" Helena groaned, glaring at the elder witch.
The professor merely blinked, her expression turning a shade colder. "Forgive me for interrupting, but the girls should be getting back to Hogwarts before they are missed. Besides, you are growing tired and there is another visitor who would like to see you before you fall asleep again."
The matron glanced towards the room beyond the glass, then glared at Galatea once more when she was unable to see anyone. "Are you going to tell me who this person is, or continue to make me guess?"
Galatea's eyes hardened. "Claire."
"Oh," Helena's demeanor lit up remarkably, despite her sombre expression. "Yes, you're right, Galatea. Girls, you really should be getting back, we don't want to cause any more problems- but it was very good to see you both and you should come back in a few days if you can. Bring Miss Hooch, if she'd like to come."
"I think she'd like that," Poppy professed with a smile. "Rest up, Helena, and try not to worry about things in the hospital wing."
The healer nodded, letting go of the girls' hands, Minerva's a little more reluctantly- or maybe that was her imagination -as they made their way out. When the green-eyed witch reached the door, she thought she felt a slight prompt from Avrenim and looked back- half fearing to see Helena on the brink of death again. Thankfully nothing was wrong, but she did meet the woman's somber gaze that flashed with anguish as the door closed, separating them.
Turning with a sigh, Minerva saw the supposed 'Claire' her mentor had mentioned. She was a brunette witch dressed in long multi-coloured robes of blues and oranges, accented with several necklaces and bracelets. She stood there, rooted in place, and staring at Galatea. Her dark green eyes seemed caught between reality and something else- something that made Minerva a little uneasy.
"May I see her now?" Claire asked, her voice seeming strangely indifferent.
Minerva watched in surprise as Galatea gripped the woman's shoulder roughly, staring her down. "Do not stir up trouble. She has been through enough as it is."
"I know." The brunette's eyes clouded with sadness, although she was seemingly unaffected by the professor's brunt manner. "I saw it."
A moment of taut silence hung in the air before the elder witch removed her hand.
"Make it quick, she is growing weary."
Claire nodded then began walking past the two girls, when she suddenly stopped and uttered a gasp. She stared hauntingly in Minerva's direction with an expression so profound that it was hard to describe what she was thinking, even as she spoke.
"Miss McGonagall, believe me when I say that, when the snow falls, it would be disastrous if you leave your sword behind." Fear visibly swirled in Claire's eyes before she fled into Helena's room- leaving the dark haired Gryffindor completely mystified, Poppy ashen with terror, and a very frustrated Professor Merrythought.
"Oh, why do I even bother?" the elder witch growled, pinching the bridge of her nose for a moment before turning to face the confused girls. "Forgive Claire for such a bizarre greeting, she cannot help it. She is a very powerful Seer."
The mention of a 'Seer' caught Minerva's interest quite easily as she crossed her arms and raised a brow. True Seers were very rare, in fact, so rare that most considered those who claimed to possess the gift were fakes. The future was a very fluid notion; one where the threads of possibilities could be changed at any given moment.
"You're positive she's not a fraud?" Minerva asked.
"Sometimes I wish she was," Galatea spat with such bitterness, it alarmed her pupil and scared Poppy, as she continued to glare through the glass. Her previous thoughts quickly vanished when she spoke again. "That being said, Minerva, it really would be wise to heed her words. Claire does not give many warnings, but when she does, they should never be taken lightly."
The green-eyed witch pursed her lips as she looked into the other room as well, watching the odd woman sit at Helena's side. She noted that neither of them had yet to speak.
"Who is she?" Minerva asked quietly, forcing a frustrated sigh from her mentor.
"A woman who was once very close to Helena, but abandoned her many years ago without warning or reason," Galatea answered, keeping a severe façade. "You two best be off. Do make sure that you Floo to my office this time, and try not to get lost."
Despite wanting to know more about this supposed Seer, Minerva sensed that now was definitely not the time to ask. Neither sister spoke a word until they had exited the corridor, and while the apprentice continued to block her thoughts from her, it was obvious that Poppy had been unnerved by what had been said. When the two found a secluded part of the hospital, Minerva barely muttered a silencing charm in time before Poppy started ranting.
"Merlin's beard, that was so strange! A Seer, of all people, coming to visit Helena!" She crossed her arms tightly around her, clearly trying to suppress a shudder. "And worse, she gave you a warning to keep your sword handy as if there was going to be another bloody conflict! Don't we have enough to worry about as it is?"
Minerva bobbed her head in agreement, silently pleased that Poppy was at least talking about her feelings. "What did you make of her?"
"Well firstly, the fact that she abandoned Helena makes me furious. It's obvious they still aren't exactly on good terms, so why come at all if she saw what would happen? Why stir up things if she knew that Helena was all right?"
Bits of her dream flashed through her mind again, causing the dark haired witch to narrow her eyes. "Maybe Claire saw an alternate ending, one where I didn't get to Helena soon enough, or my magic didn't keep her alive…"
"Possibly." Anger flickered in hazel eyes. "But all the same, I don't like it- and I don't like that Merrythought doesn't trust her!"
Minerva shrugged. "I'm curious about how 'close' Claire and Helena were considering how fierce Galatea was to her."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, Merlin, do I have to say it?" Minerva crossed her arms uncomfortably. She felt like she was gossiping, and the fact that it was about her mentor made it worse, but when Poppy glared at her she gave up. "All I'm saying is that, if your suspicion is right, maybe Galatea was a little jealous?"
It was hard to imagine the stern woman feeling such emotions, however, it wasn't impossible either.
"I guess you're right," Poppy sighed, letting her arms rest at her side once again. "I just don't like that she gave you that warning, or perhaps it was just the warning itself… I mean, how does she even know about that sword of yours for starters? The whole thing is just ludicrous!"
The green-eyed witch took her sister's hand in a show of gentle compassion. "If it bothers you so much, you could owl your parents to stay during the holidays."
Poppy blinked. "Actually, I was going to anyway. They're going to visit my aunt in Sweden and try to convince her to move to the States. They're worried about Sweden getting cut off from the rest of the world now that Norway has been taken and with the Untergang in Russia they don't want to take any chances of them starting a Muggle-born and Squib massacre."
"That's probably for the best," Minerva said, nodding gravely. "No need to take chances with family."
Her sister sighed in agreement, then surveyed their surroundings. "Do you think we can find where the records are kept in time to avoid suspicion, or should we wait until we bring Rolanda in a few days?"
Minerva pursed her lips. "Later, I think. Galatea made a point of reminding us to 'not get lost', which gives me the impression that she might have a way of making sure we got back to Hogwarts timely."
"Yeah, you have a point, besides," the apprentice smirked, "Merrythought can't possibly expect us to be on time when Rola's with us."
Chuckling in agreement, two made their way back to the Floo transport room. Before they left for the castle, however, they made sure to grab a visitor's map.
The rest of the afternoon proved rather uneventful, save for Mikail being illusive somewhere and Poppy not coming to the Great Hall to study as she decided to see if there was anything she could do to help out with in the hospital wing. However, the much desired peace was not to last, especially if a stubborn messenger owl had anything to do with it.
Minerva groaned at the sight of her mother's bird. He never brought anything but trouble, and today Toby looked as if he was in a sinisterly good mood, even more so than usual. He had a peculiar gleam in his eyes that made Minerva feel as if Isobel was acting through him somehow. She kept an eye on the unpleasant bird as she reached for the letter, ready to send him a well deserved stinging hex to the beak if need be.
Surprisingly, the fowl didn't try to peck her fingers, but he did let out a chilling cry as he flew way that sounded an awful lot like a cackle.
"I really hate that bird," Rolanda growled, turning back to the table. Minerva would have muttered an agreement had she not been wearily transfixed on the address.
"Is it from your mum?" Pomona queried, forcing the Gryffindor Prefect to nod.
"Oi, if it's a bloody howler, I'll silence it!" Augusta said, immediately taking out her wand.
Kevin snickered. "Love, you'll just make it explode."
"So?" The blonde witch smirked, her eyes danced teasingly. "Either way, it's silenced."
"Thank you, Gusta," Minerva said coolly, interrupting the couple's banter, "but I'd rather hear what my màthair has to say, even if it's unpleasant."
The dark haired witch opened the envelope, slightly relieved it did not become animated, and unfolded the letter.
Minerva,
I may not know what your astral's true intentions were by eavesdropping upon Professor Merrythought and myself last night, but I do know that your activities as of late have been rather abnormal and disconcerting. I strongly encourage you to stop whatever nonsense you are up to before you ruin something. Do not force me to intervene, darling. I am not above sending you to Salem next year if you do not behave and leave well enough alone.
Only I know what is best for you.
Màthair.
Closing her eyes, Minerva took several deep breaths, trying to calm her boiling blood. She should have expected this, should have expected to deal with some sort of repercussion, yet oddly it wasn't the threat, that bothered her, but the haunting sentence that Isobel wrote before signing the letter. Sometimes there were hints that her mother had a hidden agenda, that she had a reason behind everything she did. Galatea and Slughorn seemed convinced that there was, but didn't believe it was worth the closed and cold hearted manner in which Isobel acted.
Minerva shook her head, dismissing her mother's words with a sniff of disapproval as she absently handed the parchment over to Rolanda, who was silently pleading to read it, and let her thoughts continue to churn. The intimidation had definitely reached a new high, she'd grant her mother that, but it was an empty threat- especially considering she was of legal age now.
Surely, she realises that I'll retaliate? She can't expect me to really be afraid of her? Minerva's green eyes narrowed, trying to understand her mother's clearly did not believe that her daughter had people that would support her if such a thing happened, thus giving Isobel reason to believe that intimidation on such a scale when she was alone in the world would work. She'll have to settle for being disappointment then...
But that wasn't the only problem. There was the matter of how Isobel knew of her lessons.
"Salem?" The hawk-eyed witch finally echoed, aghast, breaking Minerva's thoughts. "But that's... She can't do that!"
"Do what?" Pomona and Augusta questioned together.
"Mrs McGonagall's going to send Min to Salem if she doesn't stop her lessons!"
"She can and she will try, Rola, I'm quite sure of it," Minerva stated coldly, her eyes catlike.
"What are you going to do?" the Hufflepuff asked quietly. "I mean, you can't just stop your lessons, they're to help you fight against the Untergang."
"For now, nothing," the green-eyed witch answered. "I'm seventeen, I can decide whether or not I want to leave and Galatea will be behind me no matter what happens. I'll talk with her in a few days, however, I'm more concerned about how Màthair knows I've been doing 'abnormal' activities."
Augusta bit her lip nervously. "Are you sure Slughorn is out of the question? We know that he's on your side in regarding your relationship with Professor Merrythought, but you don't know what he thinks about you and the Untergang."
"She's got a point, Min," Pomona chimed. "Think about the Spideagan [Nightingale] leader that betrayed his order. He was loyal to the cause, but then changed when his son's life was in danger. Slughorn may be looking after your safety and giving her hints."
Minerva narrowed her eyes in thought. Both girls had a point, but it still didn't seem like something Professor Slughorn would do if his letter she intercepted from Toby was anything to go by and he hadn't seemed terribly worried about her when she came back from St. Mungo's that evening either.
"No, I don't believe it's him. I don't think he would do anything to jeopardize my relationship with Galatea."
"Then who could it be?" Rolanda handed the letter back.
"I don't know," the dark haired witch sighed, pocketing the parchment, "but I can't help but wonder if there might be a motive behind it."
Despite being a very busy man with all the chaos of this year, Professor Dumbledore could never refuse to help a colleague in need. Besides, he needed to get out of the castle and he wanted to visit his dear friend currently recuperating in the hospital.
"Thank you for doing this, Albus," Galatea said warmly as he entered the private suite. "I know you are extraordinarily busy, but with all that has happened as of late, I do not think I could trust anyone else to guard Helena tonight."
"Not even Broc, or Eidheann?" the wizard questioned.
"Worry not, old friend, I still trust them. I even gave into their requests and had Sgiath guard her instead of me yesterday night," Galatea assured, "but they have important work to do tonight. We all do after the mess Dealg left us with."
Albus smiled softly at her answer, he was no stranger to how protective Galatea could be of Helena, nor how cold and distant she could become during such emotionally trying times.
All of the Hogwarts' staff members were well aware of the danger outside the castle during this time of war. Having the leader of the Nightingales on the staff was perilous enough, but the threat of the Untergang was just as bad given the group's relentless reputation of seizing their objective- which could very well include undermining at all Hogwarts stood for.
In Helena's case, it did not help that she was well known within the Wizarding World. While the Prophet had been persuaded not to publish the news of her attack, there was no doubt that word had spread by now which increased the odds that the Untergang would take action- odds that merely being associated with Galatea did not help.
"You'd best be off then," he placed a hand on her shoulder. "But Galatea, do try to get some sleep."
As he predicted, the elder witch scoffed.
"I will sleep when I am-" she stopped, placing her fingers over her mouth and closing her eyes as she cursed under her breath. "I told her I would stop saying that," Galatea muttered, then sighed and shook her head. "I have work to do and people to protect. I will sleep when that is finished."
The wizard placed a hand on her shoulder. "You'll do nobody any good if you are exhausted."
Galatea frowned and a solemn expression overtook her. "That is a fact of reality that will unfortunately catch up with me."
She left before his bewildered mind could form a question, much to his disappointment, but then again, Albus was used to the elder witch being elusive about her personal life. Something he himself did on occasion. With a sigh, Professor Dumbledore turned, peering into the other room. He expected to see the curly blonde healer asleep, yet he was proven wrong. Helena's grey eyes stared directly at him and she beckoned him to go to her with a small wave of her hand, another request that the wizard could not refuse.
"You're a sight for sore eyes, my friend," he said, entering the room.
The matron chuckled softly. "For once I can believe that you're wearing your glasses correctly."
Albus laughed along with her as he pulled up a chair and sat next to her. "How are you feeling? I hear you had a rough morning."
"When I first woke up, yes, it was very rough. Merlin, I could barely move. I still can't without over-exhausting myself too quickly, but at least by now I can stay awake for more than twenty minutes."
"I'm glad to hear that," the wizard placed his hand over Helena's, "but how are you dealing with nearly greeting Death?"
"Oi, you know me too well, Albus," the healer groaned, rubbing her temples as a sigh escaped her. "It's a wake up call, I won't deny that. A brutal one," her voice lowered, "especially with so much unsaid."
The professor frowned. "Towards Minerva, I assume?"
Helena nodded. "I'm not sure if you heard, but I tried to warn her using my Patronus." Her grey eyes lowered to her wand hand, watching it clench tightly despite it being empty. "I told her I wouldn't dwell on the fact that I had failed her, so I'm doing what I can to put that past me. To be honest, I'm worried about that girl. I have no doubt that the scene she walked in on when she found me was... scarring, to say the least." She glanced back at Albus. "While she seems to be handling it better than most, she's had three people now in the past year get nearly killed, and she'll probably have more by the time this war is over. Seventeen or not, she's just a girl, and completely in over her head... and with more than most people can possibly imagine."
"You're not just talking about the war and the Untergang, are you?" Albus inferred. "Does it have something to do with Isobel?"
The healer scoffed. "That witch is almost as bad as her own mother and doesn't even realise it!" Her expression softened as anguish swirled in her eyes. "They both have a lotto do with it."
Professor Dumbledore knew he was about to tread on dangerous ground, but his concern regarding his protegee was worth the risk. He cleared his throat, "Speaking of Tradisi, what does she have to do with Minerva being unable to shed tears?"
To his surprise, a smirk curved Helena's lips. "I admire you for being willing to go behind Galatea's back for the well being of Minerva, Albus, truly. I think this whole secret business is a waste of precious time," she finished sadly, causing the wizard's hopes for answers to dwindle. He wasn't about to push the woman, not in her state.
"But you're not going to tell me anything, are you?"
With a sigh of defeat, and maybe a heavy heart, she gave in. "You remember the girl's overload a couple of years ago? How Isobel had to perform an 'operation' on her? Well, Tradisi had that all planned before she died; she knew Minerva would reach a certain limit to her powers some time while she was studying at Hogwarts and placed a block on the girl's mind in hopes that she would win."
Albus took a few moments to suppress his growing agitation. He was getting tired of this, only receiving little details but never actually the whole puzzle, and the feeling that he was getting nowhere fast. "Galatea said something similar, about Tradisi 'winning', but I didn't exactly get an answer as to what she will win."
Helena did not look at her colleague, but Albus could see that the usual sparkle in her grey eyes was gone, glazed over by a tremendously tired expression. He got the feeling that it wasn't due to physical means, however.
"A game," she replied tremulously after several moments of silence. "A very long, dreadful and disastrous game that needs to end before someone else gets caught in the crossfire." Helena blinked a few times, tears glistening on her lashes. "Forgive me, but I don't think I should speak more of this."
Not wanting to cause her any further grief considering her current state, Professor Dumbledore dropped his inquiry. "I'm sorry, I did not intend to upset you."
"I know, you're just trying to look after Minerva, and I really should be thanking you for that. Somebody needs to, someone not directly involved." Helena sighed shakily, then changed the topic with a more controlled voice. "How is Galatea? I meant to ask Eidheann, Sgiath or Broc when they came by, but I was tired and forgot about it."
Albus paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Well, I haven't had much contact with her today, but from what I can tell, she's still a bit shaken although I think that once you return to Hogwarts she will relax a little more. Aside from that, she's the same stern, strict, stubborn-as-hell Galatea Merrythought that we both know and cherish."
That brought a smile to Helena's lips at last.
November 15th, 1942:
Malcom sat through his Defence Against the Arts class feeling rather apprehensive about heeding Minerva's advice to discuss things with Professor Merrythought. Near the end of the lesson, he had decided the coward's option and leave without speaking to the stern witch, however, when the professor asked him to stay behind, he knew there was no way he was getting out of it. No-one refused Professor Merrythought.
When he followed the elder witch into her office, the first thing that caught his attention was her change in demeanor when she spoke to him now.
"You can sit down if you would like," she said, her usual stern edge now absent. He nodded, feeling a little nervous about what was going to happen, but took a seat with his sister's words from yesterday ringing in his head, 'the only side of her you've really seen is what she acts like as a Professor'. As he watched the teacher seemingly relax around him, he realised that Minerva had been right.
"Your sister informed me that you had questions regarding her whereabouts on Saturday," Merrythought began. "Tell me, did she say anything about what happened?"
Malcom swallowed, clutching the edge of his chair anxiously. "Yes, Professor."
"I cannot read minds, Malcom," she said with a smirk. "Please, tell me what Minerva told you."
"She said that Madam Nurix was attacked, and that she was at St. Mungo's with you because Poppy asked her to come," he glared shrewdly at Merrythought, "but she lied- sort of."
Like his sister, the professor smiled unexpectedly at his accusation. "Yes, she did, but do you know what she lied about?"
"Her reason for being with you." His nervousness began to evaporate as they got into the discussion, as his determination to get answers this time kicked in.
"You are correct." Professor Merrythought paused for a moment, as if unsure what to say next, but Malcom continued on.
"She also confessed to you training her, that you're her mentor, and that you…" he narrowed his green eyes, "that you care about us, all three of us."
He couldn't tell what the professor was feeling inside, but her voice changed significantly once again, becoming warm. "I do. I care very deeply about Minerva, Cayden, and you, Malcom."
Malcom tensed and glanced away. He hadn't exactly wanted to hear that, not when the elder witch had deliberately acted as though he meant nothing to her for all these years. If she truly cared about him, then why hadn't she spoken about it before; and if the professor had been hurt by Isobel, as his sister suggested, then wouldn't that give the woman the incentive to want revenge and go against Isobel's wishes?
"Yet, you're distant, cold even."
Professor Merrythought sniffed. "I did not want to. Believe me, if I could have, I would have loved to have been a part of your lives and it pains me very deeply that your màthair denied me this."
Malcom looked up at her with raised brows. "But why? I don't understand. Minerva said that Màthair despises you, that she would be furious if she found out about you having any sort of relationship with us. Why care about us at all when she's hurt you?"
He wasn't sure where he had found the courage to talk to the professor with so much passion, but as soon as the words had left his lips, he regretted them. Her knuckles were white, clutching the arms of her chair, and there was look on her face that seemed to be filled with pain.
"Your màthair was very special to me, and while it is true that she has not been very kind to me, that does not mean I feel nothing for you three. Quite the contrary."
Malcom, while noting her torment, continued to question her, "Then why have you kept away from us, from me, for so long? Is it because I was closer to Màthair than Minerva?"
"Partially." The professor leaned back into her chair, her sad eyes drifting downwards. "I was also anxious about how you would react to a complete stranger wanting to know you and truly did not wish to stir up more trouble in your life. You seem to have been relatively happy here at Hogwarts, Malcom, and that is what I want for you more than anything in the world."
The young wizard frowned. He wasn't sure if he believed her; it was such a big jump from the previous version of their so called relationship. Up until now the elder witch had been a cold and somewhat stern Defensive Arts professor, and nothing more. Now though, he had found out that she knew about him and his family, and that she cared for him and his siblings deeply, yet refused to be a part of their lives while their mother neglected them all.
"May I ask you something that's not really related to this?"
"Of course, Malcom," Professor Merrythought smiled softly. "You can ask me anything you wish."
Malcom furrowed his brows, still formulating his thoughts into words. It didn't help that part of him was still in denial that all of this was real; that his Head of House was willing to show her emotions around him, a mere student. "The night Fang attacked Minerva and Cayden, when you came to me and ordered me to run to the castle and stay in Ravenclaw Tower for the rest of the night, you looked frightened- well, more than frightened, really."
"You are correct. I was scared beyond measure," the elder witch answered, yet it was not enough for her student's liking.
"Why?" he questioned.
Merrythought did not glare at him as she normally would have, nor was her tone particularly stern as she replied.
"Besides the fact that the dog under the Imperius curse could have easily killed an innocent life?" she scoffed, though her features immediately turned sorrowful. "I feared that I would lose one of you three without ever telling you how much you mean to me."
The professor looked directly at him for a quiet moment. It wasn't a stare that caused him to squirm, actually it made him want to be closer to her. He swore that he could feel her pain by just seeing the expression in her eyes. It didn't make sense to him.
"What do you want, Malcom? Truly, at this very moment, what is it that would make you happy?"
"Other than Riddle being expelled and this Chamber Monster gone forever..." he narrowed his eyes in thought. He wasn't sure what compelled him to want to speak the truth, for he didn't really know her at all. He decided on something else, something less emotional and took a more logical standpoint. "To be an Auror."
Merrythought looked at him, long and hard, as if she could see right through him, before drumming her fingertips on the hand rest of her chair. "You would like me to train you, as I am with Minerva, is that what you mean?"
Malcom nodded, hiding his surprise that she knew what he meant. The elder witch did her best to look receptive, but he got the feeling that she was disappointed and he couldn't fathom why.
"Very well, if that is what you wish, next year we will start a few extra lessons. I wish I could start them now, but with everything that is happening, I am far too busy at the moment."
The young Ravenclaw stared at her with a bit of shock; he hadn't expected her to agree. "You'd really train me?"
"If that is what will make you happy, then yes."
Processing what her answer meant for him, he smiled, but when another thought crossed his mind that smile vanished. "What has Màthair done to hurt you?"
He watched the light in Professor Merrythought's pale blue eyes disappear as he spoke. It was haunting how his words seemed to affect her in such a way. He had to commend her for speaking evenly, despite how painful it must have been.
"I assume you mean other than her refusing to let me be a part of your lives and pretending that she never once spoke to me in anything but anger?"
"I-" he caught his breath, remembering his sister's words that still lingered in the back of his mind. "You don't have to speak of it if it pains you too much, Professor."
"Forgive me then, my dear boy, for I could not answer your question truthfully even if I was allowed to."
Malcom opened his mouth, desperate to ask what she meant, but he restrained himself- not just because she was still 'Professor Merrythought' in his mind, but that he also didn't want to push her. He was actually surprised that he found himself caring about her, considering how apathetic he could be sometimes.
"Of course, yes, you're forgiven, Professor," he said awkwardly, aghast he was saying such things to the elder witch. As an uncomfortable silence began to fill the room, Malcom decided it was best to get back to Hagrid before he started worrying. "I should probably be going."
Professor Merrythought didn't look at him as she flicked her hand to open the door. "Yes, I suppose you better."
Malcom paused, wanting to say something to her, but he could think of nothing to fit at the moment. He stood up and began to leave, although at the last second he heard her voice again, making him stop and turn back towards her. "Malcom, if you ever wish to talk to me outside of class, please, do not hesitate to do so."
"Yes, Professor," he responded quietly as he continued on his way out.
"And Malcom," Professor Merrythought called after him again, "please, call me Galatea when we are in private."
"I-I will try, Prof- Galatea." Malcom smiled, chuckling to himself in his embarrassment. "Sorry, I'm still trying to grasp the fact that I'm not in detention by now."
"Do not tempt me, young man," she winked, "I can always arrange something."
I'm getting into a bit of a Halloween mood, so prepare for a bit of spookiness next chapter!
~LinK